Some days, I just don’t seem to have an original or creative thought. I agonize, collaborate or postpone the assignment.

But now I have a new approach, which is to ask lots of questions. According to Jeffrey H. Dyer, lead author of a study about great CEOs, which appeared in a recent issue of the Harvard Business Review, great CEOs “ask a lot more questions than your typical executive.” He was quoted in The Strategist’s winter issue.

As I reflected on some of the great leaders for whom I’ve worked, the advice makes sense. They always ask probing questions and accept nothing at face value.

Now I use those same questions when I’m trying to be creative or when I’m getting ready to present. I ask “Why?” “Why not?” “Why now?” and “What if?”

Those questions are just the spark I need.